History of Zach LaVine in Timeline

Zach LaVine is a professional basketball player currently playing for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Drafted 13th overall in 2014 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, LaVine is known for his athleticism and scoring ability. He gained prominence as a two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion. His success led to two NBA All-Star selections in 2021 and 2022 while playing for the Chicago Bulls. LaVine further solidified his achievements by winning a gold medal as part of the U.S. Olympic team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1971: Chicago Player to score 30+ in 3 straight games

In October 2018, LaVine became the third Chicago Bulls player to score 30+ in 3 straight games to start the season, joining Bob Love who did it in 1971.

1986: Chicago Player to score 30+ in 3 straight games

In October 2018, LaVine became the third Chicago Bulls player to score 30+ in 3 straight games to start the season, joining Michael Jordan who did it in 1986.

1988: Dunk Contest Comparisons

During the 2016 All-Star Weekend, The final round of the Slam Dunk Contest, which featured two tie-breakers with Aaron Gordon, drew comparisons to the contest between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins in 1988.

March 10, 1995: Zach LaVine Born

On March 10, 1995, Zachary Thomas LaVine was born. He is now an American professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings.

Others born on this day/year

1997: Youngest Slam Dunk Champion since Kobe Bryant

In February 2015, LaVine became the youngest NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion since Kobe Bryant in 1997 at 18 years old.

2009: Perfect Score on Multiple Dunks

In February 2015, Zach LaVine became the first player since Dwight Howard in 2009 to receive a perfect score on multiple dunks in the Slam Dunk Contest.

June 20, 2012: Committed to UCLA

On June 20, 2012, Zach LaVine verbally committed to attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

2013: UCLA Attendance

In 2013, LaVine attended UCLA and played for coach Ben Howland before Howland was fired. Despite considering other options, LaVine remained with UCLA and their new coach, Steve Alford.

2013: Started UCLA Season

In 2013, Zach LaVine started his UCLA season strong as the team's sixth man, showcasing impressive outside shooting and explosive dunks. He evoked memories of former Bruin Russell Westbrook's UCLA beginnings.

2013: Recognized as a Top High School Player

In 2013, Zach LaVine, as a senior, was named the Associated Press Washington state player of the year, Washington Mr. Basketball, and a first-team Parade All-American. He also won the slam dunk contest at the Ballislife All-American Game.

January 26, 2014: Shooting Slump

Beginning on January 26, 2014, Zach LaVine experienced a six-game shooting slump where he made just 7 of 36 shots from the field.

April 16, 2014: Declared for NBA Draft

On April 16, 2014, Zach LaVine declared for the NBA draft, foregoing his final three years of college eligibility.

July 8, 2014: Signed Rookie Contract

On July 8, 2014, Zach LaVine signed his rookie scale contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

2014: Selected in NBA Draft

In 2014, Zach LaVine was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA draft with the 13th overall pick.

February 2015: Won Slam Dunk Contest

In February 2015, Zach LaVine won the Slam Dunk Contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend. He also participated in the Rising Stars Challenge.

October 21, 2015: Contract Extended Through 2016-17 Season

On October 21, 2015, the Timberwolves exercised their third-year team option on Zach LaVine's rookie-scale contract, extending it through the 2016–17 season.

March 2016: LaVine Guest Stars on Kirby Buckets

In March 2016, Zach LaVine made a guest appearance on an episode of the Disney XD television series "Kirby Buckets".

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October 24, 2016: Contract Extended Through 2017-18 Season

On October 24, 2016, the Timberwolves exercised their fourth-year team option on Zach LaVine's rookie scale contract, extending the contract through the 2017–18 season.

2016: MVP Honors and Consecutive Dunk Contest Win

During the 2016 All-Star Weekend, Zach LaVine scored 30 points for Team USA in the Rising Stars Challenge to capture MVP honors. He also became the fourth player ever to win consecutive Slam Dunk Contests.

2016: Consecutive Dunk Contest Win

In 2016, Zach LaVine became the fourth NBA player to ever win consecutive Slam Dunk Contests.

2016: Last Bull before LaVine with 20+ in 14 straight games

In November 2018, Zach LaVine scored 20 or more points in each of Chicago's 13 games to begin the season and in a career-high 14 straight overall, dating to his final game of 2017-18. The last Bulls player before LaVine to score 20-plus points in 14 consecutive games was Jimmy Butler, who did it 15 straight times in 2016.

February 4, 2017: Torn ACL

On February 4, 2017, Zach LaVine was ruled out for the rest of the season after an MRI revealed he had a torn ACL in his left knee.

June 22, 2017: Traded to the Chicago Bulls

On June 22, 2017, Zach LaVine was traded, along with Kris Dunn and the rights to Lauri Markkanen, to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Jimmy Butler and the rights to Justin Patton.

2017: Traded to Chicago Bulls

In 2017, Zach LaVine was traded to the Chicago Bulls.

2017: Most Games Played since ACL Tear

In 2022, despite dealing with a knee issue and missing 15 games, LaVine appeared in his most games since his ACL tear in 2017.

2017: First Bulls Player Selected since 2017

On February 24, 2021, Zach LaVine was named a reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, making him the first Bulls player selected since Jimmy Butler in 2017.

2017: Scored 20+ in career-high 14 straight overall

Zach LaVine scored 20 or more points in each of Chicago's 13 games to begin the 2018-19 season and in a career-high 14 straight overall, dating to his final game of 2017-18.

January 13, 2018: First Game After Injury

On January 13, 2018, in his first game in 11 months after recovering from a torn ACL, Zach LaVine scored 14 points in the Bulls' win over the Detroit Pistons.

July 6, 2018: Received Offer Sheet from Sacramento Kings

On July 6, 2018, Zach LaVine, as a restricted free agent, received a four-year, $80 million offer sheet from the Sacramento Kings.

February 23, 2019: Career-High 42 Points

On February 23, 2019, Zach LaVine scored a then-career-high 42 points in a win over the Boston Celtics.

November 16, 2019: Scored 36 Points

On November 16, 2019, Zach LaVine scored 36 points in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

January 25, 2020: Recorded 44 Points, Ten Rebounds and Eight Assists

On January 25, 2020, Zach LaVine recorded 44 points, ten rebounds and eight assists in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

February 25, 2020: Scored 41 Points

On February 25, 2020, Zach LaVine again scored 41 points in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

April 2020: LaVine Engaged to Longtime Girlfriend

In April 2020, Zach LaVine became engaged to his longtime girlfriend.

2020: Won Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020, Zach LaVine won a gold medal as part of the U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo.

February 24, 2021: Named NBA All-Star Reserve

On February 24, 2021, Zach LaVine was named a reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, marking his first All-Star selection.

November 19, 2021: Scored Season-High 36 Points

On November 19, 2021, Zach LaVine scored a season-high 36 points in a road victory over the Denver Nuggets.

2021: LaVine Wins Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA

In 2021, Zach LaVine was a member of Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan (postponed from 2020). He played as the team's sixth man, averaging 10.6 points per game and shooting a team-best 47% from three-point range, contributing to Team USA winning the Olympic gold medal in men's basketball.

2021: NBA All-Star Selection

In 2021, Zach LaVine was named an NBA All-Star with the Chicago Bulls.

August 2022: Birth of Saint Thomas LaVine

In August 2022, Zach LaVine and his fiancée welcomed their first child, Saint Thomas LaVine.

Others born on this day/year

December 4, 2022: LaVine Records 41 Points

On December 4, 2022, Zach LaVine scored 41 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and had four steals in a 110–101 loss against the Sacramento Kings.

2022: Named NBA All-Star

In 2022, Zach LaVine was again named an NBA All-Star with the Chicago Bulls, marking his second selection.

January 6, 2023: LaVine Scores 41 Points Against 76ers

On January 6, 2023, Zach LaVine scored 41 points while shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the three-point line in a 126–112 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. This marked his fourth career game with at least 40 points on 70% shooting, surpassing Scottie Pippen for the second-most such games in Bulls history.

October 28, 2023: LaVine Scores Career-High 51 Points

On October 28, 2023, Zach LaVine scored a career-high 51 points in a 118–102 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

February 2024: LaVine to Undergo Season-Ending Foot Surgery

In February 2024, the Chicago Bulls announced that Zach LaVine would undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot as part of his recovery process.

November 29, 2024: LaVine Surpasses Hinrich as Bulls All-Time Three-Point Leader

On November 29, 2024, Zach LaVine scored 29 points in a loss to the Boston Celtics and surpassed Kirk Hinrich as the all-time leader in three-pointers made in Bulls franchise history with 1,051 three-pointers.

February 3, 2025: LaVine Traded to the Sacramento Kings

On February 3, 2025, Zach LaVine, along with Sidy Cissoko, three first-round draft picks, and three second-round draft picks, was traded to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team trade also involving the San Antonio Spurs.